Separate PIP Fraud Cases Lead to Three Jacksonville Arrests

Three individuals from the Jacksonville area, who have allegedly been involved in personal injury protection (PIP) fraud schemes, have recently been arrested by the Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) in separate cases.

The first individual apprehended was Walter Juarez Lopez, who owned and operated Therapy Diagnostic Tech Medical.  According to DIF, the 42-year old helped organize staged accidents in 2011, in which participants were sent to his clinic as well as Arlington Rehabilitation Services. His role in the scheme resulted in more than $32,000 in fraudulent claims, DIF said.

Also arrested in November was Jose Burgos who organized a fake crash for insurance money in 2012.  The 40-year old, who sent participants to One Touch Therapy Center, was tied to more than $31,000 in false claims, DIF reported.

Last but not least, Edwin Edgardo Martinez-Rodriguez, 46, was also nabbed for his role as a staged accident organizer.  In 2012, he organized a fake accident that resulted in more than $16,000 in false claims made by Gate Parkway Diagnostic Center and Wellness Rehab Services, LLC, according to DIF.

Fraudulent claims were submitted to several insurance companies including Direct General, Esurance, GEICO, Infinity, Progressive, State Farm and Travelers.